Henoko boat accident: Authorities search captain and officials' homes

The 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters conducted searches of the homes of the captain of the vessel ‘Heiwa Maru’ and several executives of the operating group, the ‘Helicopter Base Opposition Council,’ on August 12. The searches, which included the seizure of mobile phones and computers, are part of an investigation into professional negligence resulting in death and injury.

The investigation follows a criminal complaint filed in July by the bereaved family of a 17-year-old Doshisha International High School student who died in a boat capsizing accident off the coast of Henoko, Nago City, in March. The family has filed charges against 11 individuals, including school officials and members of the operating organization.

A third-party committee from the Doshisha educational corporation has already identified a breach of the school’s duty of care, citing insufficient safety planning, inadequate risk management, and a failure to properly explain risks to parents.